FT. CAMPBELL, Ky. — Fort Campbell is hosting a huge tribute to the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and Flight 93. A giant flag, which measures 22 by 32 feet, is traveling around the country, but is currently on display at the Fort Campbell Passenger Processing Center. 

The handmade flag has 3,000 small American flags sewn together to honor those who died and the friends and families who lost loved ones that day. There are also flags representing each responder organization that helped with rescue and recovery.

“I was on my way to work when I stopped by my son’s school to drop off his project. At 9:03, I witnessed the impact of the second plane. Upon returning home, I lowered our flag to half-staff and began a quest for a large American flag for our front yard,” said Thomas McBrien, the curator and creator of the flag.

The display also contains 86 national flags representing the different countries where each of the victims came from. This is to symbolize the global impact of the attacks.

According to a release, the flag has been seen by about seven million people over the past twenty years as the display has made its way to museums, government buildings and military bases.

McBrien said he just wanted to honor all who were affected by the terrorist acts on Sept.11. He added, “I wanted to display the largest American flag I could buy, but none could be found. I realized we, the American people, are all in this together. I began collaborating with the State Department and my local congressman and drew on my experience in community projects and volunteering.”

McBrien started gathering information about every person who died that day and began searching for small American flags to honor them. The project evolved, grew and was eventually completed.

The 9/11 Memorial Flag has been displayed across the country including at the Pentagon, state capitols, bases and museums. McBrien said, “Even as the years pass, I hope this flag helps the memories live on.”

McBrien added he had a lot of help to make the flag and said those involved will remember it forever.

He said, “The kids who helped with the flag ranged from six to 17 years old, so if you add 20 years to their age now, they’ll carry those memories for a lifetime. My own son, who was just 10 when it happened, joined the Air Force. After attending college through ROTC at Syracuse, he underwent flight training at Pensacola Naval Air Station in Germany. Graduating with distinction, he is now a Major flying a B-52. Quite an incredible journey.”

McBrien wants everyone who sees the 9/11 Memorial Flag to recognize it honors all Americans, but especially those personally impacted by the tragedy of 9/11. He said, “It serves as a powerful reminder that, even in the wake of such devastation, America can heal and prevail.”

The 9/11 Memorial Flag will be on display at the Passenger Processing Center at Fort Campbell through the end of the year.